The Overwatch League combines the best elements of esports and traditional sports to create an unparalleled pro-level competitive experience for players and fans of Blizzard\u2019s critically acclaimed team-based shooter<\/p>\n
Overwatch\u00ae, Blizzard Entertainment\u2019s blockbuster team-based shooter, is now over 20 million players strong, and among that number are a new generation of sports heroes. With more and more players continuing to distinguish themselves in the game, Blizzard Entertainment today announced the creation of the\u00a0 Overwatch League\u2014a world-class sports ecosystem for professional Overwatch competition. Combining Blizzard\u2019s esports pedigree with the best practices of major professional sports, the Overwatch League will focus on long-term stability for teams as well as opportunities for players to establish the types of professional careers associated with traditional sports.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Overwatch League represents not only the pinnacle of Overwatch competition, but also a genuine career opportunity for the most skilled Overwatch players,\u201d said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. \u201cWe\u2019re building a league that\u2019s accessible to players and fans, sustainable, and exciting for everyone involved.\u201d<\/p>\n
The inaugural season of the Overwatch League will begin in 2017. At the start of the season, Blizzard will host a combine, where eligible players who have previously distinguished themselves in competition will be invited to try out for teams. Players at the combine will be evaluated across a range of tests, giving teams the opportunity to sign those who best round out their rosters. Anyone picked up by a team during the signing period will be guaranteed a contract that includes a baseline minimum salary and benefits package.<\/p>\n
To support the growth and sustainability of local fan bases, Overwatch League teams will represent major cities from different regions. Once these city-based teams have been admitted to the league, their spots will be secured, giving them the best opportunity to grow and thrive for years to come.<\/p>\n
Team announcements and additional Overwatch League information will be shared in the coming months. In the meantime, players who aspire to compete in the Overwatch League should continue making a name for themselves in Overwatch.<\/p>\n
To learn more about the Overwatch League, visit the official website at\u00a0www.overwatchleague.com.www.overwatchleague.com<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Overwatch League combines the best elements of esports and traditional sports to create an unparalleled pro-level competitive experience for players and fans of Blizzard\u2019s critically acclaimed team-based shooter Overwatch\u00ae, Blizzard Entertainment\u2019s blockbuster team-based shooter, is now over 20 million players strong, and among that number are a new generation of sports heroes. With more … <\/p>\n